Published on Friday 25 January 2013

Svetoslav Todorov has sensationally told Pompey: Come and get me.

The Blues goal hero is keen on what would be an incredible return to Fratton Park.

more here

Published on Friday 25 January 2013

FOOTBALL League chairman Greg Clarke says Pompey could be thrown out of the league if the club remains in administration by June. More details here

January 24, 2013

Portsmouth have signed Crawley's Shaun Cooper on a month-to-month loan basis and former French under-21 international Yassin Moutaouakil.

January 20, 2013

Chris Neville is to become the latest member of Pompey’s backroom staff to join Blackburn.

More details here

Report January 17, 2013 

Luke Dowling and John Keeley have left Pompey

Dowling, the Blues’ head of recritment, and goalkeeping coach Keeley have left Pompey and are now expected to link up with former Pompey manager Michael Appleton at Blackburn Rovers.  more here

Report by Jim Bonner January 15, 2013

With many senior players leaving Portsmouth FC today, the playing squad is now smaller than it has ever been.

Mustapha Dumbuya, Jon Harley, Brian Howard, Lee Williamson and Lubomir Michalik all left Fratton Park for good and Luke Rodgers will also not be returning from his loan spell from Shrewsbury.

The squad is now at a meagre thirteen players and many of them are inexperienced. Here is a ful overview of the squad according to the official website:

Goalkeepers

Simon Eastwood, Phil Smith

Defenders

Gabor Gyepes, Adam Webster, Ricardo Rocha, Dan Butler

Midfielders

Liam Walker, Johnny Ertl, Darel Russell, Jed Wallace

Forwards

David Connolly, James Keene, Ashley Harris

So there you have it. Pompey's squad is made up of four teenagers and nine players who could leave at the end of the month. How much quality is in that squad? Not a lot to be truthful but this is the price the club has had to pay for administration.

It's no wonder that Guy Whittingham is struggling to attract players to this club to build the squad. Nobody in their right mind will want to join a team that is at its lowest ebb in generations and is almost certain to go down.

At least a former manager in Harry Redknapp has helped the cause somewhat. Queens Park Rangers youth Frankie Sutherland has signed a one-month loan deal with Pompey subject to international clearance.

The 19-year-old midfielder has captained the QPR academy side and represented Ireland at under-19 level.

Perhaps Guy and Andy will try and persuade Harry Redknapp to allow Sam Magri to join his QPR comrade so we can finally see what he can do.

It is highly likely that any new arrivals this month will only be youngsters from Premier League or Championship clubs that need experience. It might be that some of these players are borrowed again next season for League Two and so it would be good for them to have a taste of competitive football at Portsmouth.

Whoever arrives will have the full backing from the Pompey fans, even if the cause on the pitch seems futile now.

January 15, 2013

Portsmouth have confirmed that six players have left the club following the expiry of their contracts.

Mustapha Dumbuya, Jon Harley, Brian Howard, Lubomir Michalik, Luke Rodgers and Lee Williamson have all departed.

Michalik joined Pompey in mid-September, while the other five arrived just before the opening League One match of the season in August.

"We thank them for their efforts and wish them all the best," said Pompey caretaker boss Guy Whittingham.

League One Portsmouth have been in administration since February 2012 and are facing a second successive relegation as they are set for a 10-point penalty.

They are currently in the process of a takeover bid by the Pompey Supporters Trust and are said to be £61m in debt.

Saturday November 17, 2012 3:00 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

League 1 Fixture

Attendance: 11,792

POMPEY: Andersen, Dumbuya, Gyepes, Michalik, Dickinson, Williamson, Russell, Howard, Mendez-Laing, Benson, McLeod. Subs: Eastwood, Harley, Walker, Compton, Ertl, Harris, Webster.

 Match previews and reports here    Pompey Live here

Following this morning’s announcement from PKF, the Pompey Supporters’ Trust has revealed their delight at the sale agreement to acquire Portsmouth Football Club.The deal is subject to receiving the court’s permission to sell Fratton Park to PST, after Portpin declined an offer.

Ashley Brown, Chairman of the PST, said: “We are thrilled and proud to have signed a sale agreement with the administrator to buy and run Portsmouth Football Club. We hope to finalise the sale by Christmas, and go into 2013 with a fresh start for our great club. This is a special day for the thousands of Pompey fans who have stood by their club and stood up to be counted.

“We thank everyone for their support so far, and look forward to many more Pompey fans joining us, and being part of history, as we create the biggest community owned club in this country.”

Iain McInnes, Proposed Chairman of Portsmouth FC, added: “This truly is fantastic news and the start of a new chapter for Portsmouth Football Club. The hard work will continue during the court application process to ensure that we are in the best position possible to drive the club forward and build for the future ahead of the important January transfer window.”

The Trust is currently finalising a fans’ share prospectus, which will be distributed from Monday November 19. It will be also available at www.communitypompey.co.uk from the same day.

November 15, 2012

THE man behind the purchase of Fratton Park will be buying land surrounding Pompey’s stadium at the same time.

Thursday November 15, 2012

Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

Saturday November 10, 2012 3:00 PM
Gigg Lane, Bury Football Club, Lancashire, England  (map)

Pompey Chimes Summary

Another poor Pompey performance against a team in the bottom 3, where Pompey rarely looked like scoring.  Indeed, Pompey have not scored in any of the last 4 matches.

The Pompey Squad was reduced to 17 available players before the game due to an injury to Buzsaky.. A Further injury to Gyepes just before half-time, who up to that point had been Pompey's man of the match, leaves the squad with 16 fit players.

Today, 5 bookings for Pompey.

Pompey: Andersen; Williamson, Michalik, Gyepes (Ertl 46), Dickinson; Dumbuya, Russell (Walker 66), Howard (c), Harley (Compton 57); Harris, McLeod

Booked: Williamson, Russell, Dickinson, Ertl, Howard

Subs not used: Eastwood, Webster

Referee: Craig Pawson

Attendance: 3,280 (806 Pompey fans)

November 8, 2012

Guy Whittingham has been given the Caretaker Manager job with League One side Portsmouth.

Guy has been put in charge for the Saturday trip to Bury following the departure of first team manager Michael Appleton, who has bagged a job with Championship side Blackpool.  Portsmouth have also lost assistant manager Ashley Westwood who has followed Appleton up the M6.

Attendance: 11,328 

POMPEY: Eastwood, Webster, Michalik, Gyepes, Dickinson, Dumbuya, Williamson, Howard, Harley, Buzsaky, McLeod. Subs: Andersen, Walker, Rodgers, Compton, Ertl, Russell, Harris.

Match previews and reports    Pompey Live here

FA Cup first round

Venue: Fratton Park

Date: Saturday, 3 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Match previews and reports    Pompey Live here

Attendance:  7,560

Pompey Team: Pompey: Eastwood, Dumbuya, Michalik, Gyepes, Webster, Ertl, Buzsaky, Howard, Allan, McLeod, Rodgers
Subs: Harley, Walker, Russell, Compton, Josh Thompson

Sent off:: Scott Allan for 2 yellow cards

Verdict: a Dire Pompey performance...

 Wednesday October 24, 2012

Adam Webster enjoyed a dream debut as his England career got off to a winning start.  The West Wittering youngster was named in Noel Blake’s under-18 line-up against Italy this evening. And he capped the occasion by helping his team to a 2-0 success.  For more click here

League 1 Fixture

Tuesday October 23, 2012 7:45 PM
Stevenage Town Football Club, Stevenage, England  (map)

 Teams:

Pompey: Andersen, Dickinson, Michalik, Gyepes, Harley, Williamson, Ertl, Howard, Buzsaky, Thomas, McLeod.
Subs: Eastwood, Compton, Walker, Thompson, Harris, Rodgers, Dumbuya

Stevenage: Arnold, Gray, Charles, Tansey, Dunne, Haber, Morais, Akins, Roberts, Freeman, N'Gala.
Subs: Day, Grant, Rogers, Iro, Lopez, Risser, Shroot.

Scorer for Pompey:  Harley

Match Reports here             Pompey Live text here

He will replace Jordan Obita in Michael Appleton’s 20-man squad following the young winger’s return to Reading at the end of his latest loan period.    For more details click here

Saturday October 20, 2012 3:00 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

League 1 Fixture

 Teams

Pompey: Andersen, Dumbuya, Michalik, Gyepes, Harley, Williamson, Howard, Ertl, Buzsaky, McLeod, Thomas. Subs: Eastwood, Webster, Harris, Compton, Rodgers, Walker, Thompson. 

Shrewsbury:  Shrewsbury: Weale, Grandison, Summerfield, Richards, Morgan, Taylor, Hall, Colins, Parry, Wildig, Hector. Subs: Ward, Jacobson, Jones, Purdie, Wright, Winnall, Gornell.

Referee: Mr F Graham from Essex.

Attendance 13,051

Scorers (Pompey) Thomas (55 mins) McLeod (58, 90+4  mins) ... Shrewsbury Morgan 61 mins

Match Report and Previews here    Pompey Live text here 

October 20, 2012

Jordan Obita's loan spell has ended. Full story here

TOGETHER The Pompey Supporters Trust board: associate director Eric Coleborn, former player Ray Crawford, Penny Morduant MP, Ashley Brown, Mick Williams, Iain McInnis, and trust advisor Antony Fanshawe. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (122568-2)

THE Pompey Supporters’ Trust has been named preferred bidders to take over at Fratton Park.

Trust spokesman Colin Farmery confirmed this afternoon that the trust has been named as preferred bidders – ahead of Balram Chainrai’s Portpin.

Mr Farmery told The News: ‘It’s good news for all involved. We are all thrilled about it.

‘It has been a lot of hard work and we are now in a great position to hopefully seal the deal.

‘There’s a lot of hard work ahead but this is a moment to savour.

‘It has been in the offing since this morning as we were getting a steer that was the way it was going.

‘It has been PKF driving this and we have respected them throughout.’

‘Ultimately there has been a lot of hard work to make this happen. Our core message is we want fans to turn up and support the team on Saturday.

‘As far as we are concerned this is the chance to create the biggest community club in Britiain and we want to show just how big it can be by getting the fans through the gates on Saturday against Shrewsbury Town.

‘We are now finalising the share prospectus and contacting those who have pledged, and those who have expressed an interest in buying a share.’

Pompey administrator Trevor Birch said: ‘After extensive discussions over the past few weeks, we have today nominated Portsmouth Supporters Trust as the preferred bidder for Portsmouth Football Club.

‘We will be working with the Trust, the Football League and the Professional Footballers Association to conclude the sale of the Club as soon as possible.’

THE Football League has failed to approve Balram Chainrai’s bid to take over at Pompey. According to reports, at its meeting on Thursday, the league’s board expressed serious doubts about Portpin, the company behind the bid. This could leave the way open for the Pompey Supporters’ Trust to step into pole position.Report here

However, later reports indicate that Balram Chainrai is still confident of taking over Report here

Tuesday October 9, 2012 7:45 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

Scorer: McLeod 45 mins   Attendance: 7,292 

Match Previews and Reports here                    Pompey Live here

 Picture: Pompey Glorious and Victorious was the headline in the Football Mail in May 1924 after the club clinched the third division title to gain their first-ever promotion in the Football League.

For more about the Sports Mail click here

Saturday October 6, 2012 3:00 PM
MK Dons Football Club, Milton Keynes, England  (map)

League 1 Fixture Attendance 10.409    2,552 Pompey Fans

Scorers (Pompey):  McLeod (4 mins)  Gyepes (20mins)

Match Previews and Reports here                         Pompey Live here

Monday October 1, 2012

Pompey have completed the signing of former QPR midfielder Akos Buzsaky, subject to FA and Football League approval

The Hungarian midfielder has signed on a one-month deal, similar to the remaining senior players currently at the club.

The 30-year-old left QPR in the summer and has recently been training with Videoton in his homeland and Wycombe Wanderers, but after impressing on a recent trial Michael Appleton has managed to get him to sign on the dotted line. 

Buzsaky was brought to England by fellow seasiders Plymouth Argyle back in January 2005 from Portuguese side FC Porto.

The midfielder will have to wait for clearance from the FA and Football League to see if he can feature tomorrow against Yeovil Town.

PHOTO:

Akos Buzsaky in action for Queens Park Rangers against Swansea City

Balram Chainrai says he is willing to spend whatever it takes to get Pompey back up the league ladder.

"The club has no value in League One. Everybody knows that," he said.

"So I'm going to put money in to return them to their glories and then sell the club.

But who knows? I might enjoy it so much I won't sell it. 

"I'm not reluctant anymore. I've changed my mind."

Full article here

September 19, 2012

Avalon director Harry Kerr is leading a group of UK-based investors that has submitted a formal bid for Portsmouth Football Club. According to the BBC, the group, called Portco Ltd, is claiming to have shown Portsmouth’s administrators PKF bank statements totalling £6.47m as proof of funds.

Scottish-born Harry Kerr, is a Hibernian and Arsenal fan who lives in London. Kerr says: “We have been involved with this Portsmouth deal for around four months now.  I am helping Portco to raise the funding required for the purchase.”  This bid takes the interested parties in Pompey to five with Portpin and the Pompey Trust in advanced stages of completing their bids. Sulaiman Al Fahim and Laurence Bassini are the others with interest but remain outsiders.

The bid has been downplayed but the event can be read here

Saturday September 15, 2012 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

League 1 Fixture Attendance 11,767 

Result: Portsmouth 1 Walsall 2 (HT 0-0) Scorer: McLeod (69 mins)

Match Previews and Reports here     Pompey live here

Friday September 14, 2012
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

 Monday September 10, 2012

Pompey legend Ron Tindall, who represented Pompey as both player and manager has passed away in his sleep in Perth, Australia at the age of 76.

The Pompey Chimes has many fond memories of big Ron and are saddened to hear of his death

Ron.....

'I signed for Pompey and it was all through Jimmy Dickinson.'

He was still playing for Pompey at the time and told me that he was sure the manager, George Smith, would want to take me to Fratton Park if I was interested.

So I decided not to go to South Africa and ended up at Pompey instead.

George Smith was happy to allow a clause in my contract to state that I would be free to play cricket when the two seasons overlapped.

I was made very welcome by my new team-mates and I settled in at Fratton Park very quickly. We had a good set of lads in all my 11 years with the club.

There were no loud mouths or anyone who said they weren’t going to do this or that.

We didn’t always win but everyone was prepared to just get on with the job.

For more on this and the profile of Ron TIndall please visit here 

Sunday September 9, 2012 Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

A GROUP of Middle East investors have lodged a £12.5m bid to take over Pompey, it has been reported.

Friday September 7, 2012
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

Gabor Gyepes has joined Pompey until the end of the year.           Michael Appleton has now decided to bring the Hungarian on board, however, he will need international clearance to feature at Crawley on Sunday.

Gyepes, who has 26 international caps, spent four years at Cardiff City after spells with Northampton Town and Wolves.

Having started his career at Ferencvaros, he has been with Hungarian outfit Vasas for the past few months.

Appleton is keen to add experience to the heart of his defence, to help young centre-backs Kevin Long and Josh Thompson.

Tuesday September 4, 2012 Kick Off 7:45 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

JPT Round 1 match previews and reports here    Pompey Live here

Attendance: 5,979  Scorers: Rodgers (44) Howard (66)  Howard, Walker, Harris, Rodgers (pens)

                           PHOTO: Josh Thompson made his debut for Pompey

Saturday September 1, 2012 Kick Off 3:00 PM
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

League 1 fixture   Match reports here    Pompey Live here

Friday August 31, 2012

 Birch gives Pompey bidders extra two weeks

TREVOR Birch has given the two rivals to take over Pompey two more weeks because he says neither of them are ready.   Report Here

Transfer Deadline Day Deals - Johnny Ertl and Darel Russell have confirmed their one month deals with Portsmouth as expected, and Josh Thompson has also signed for Pompey today. Report Here                                              

 PHOTO: Darel Russell

Thursday August 30, 2012 

Pompey have swooped for 3 players and hope to make them available for the home game against Oldham Athletic on Saturday.  More details here

Sam Magri looks set to join QPR.  More details here  Kieran Djilali departs Full Story here

Thursday August 30, 2012   Full article here

BALRAM Chainrai’s company has said the Pompey Supporters’ Trust does not have the funds to buy the club.

But a spokesman for the trust dismissed Portpin’s comments, insisting that its bid was fully funded and it offered the best chance for sustainable ownership of the club in the long term.

For the Pompey Supporters Trust bid to be successful, the Pompey Chimes believes that Trevor Birch HAS to force a revaluation of the stake Chainrai has in the club i.e. Fratton Park.

"That security could be devalued by the courts if administrator Trevor Birch asks for a ruling on it's true worth."

It makes this site ask why Birch has never obtained a revaluation since highlighted by the BBC in February of this year.

"The administrator can force a sale against Mr Chainrai's wishes if he can prove to the court what the assets are worth,"

A reminder of the article by the BBC February 22, 2012 

'Balram Chainrai could lose his £17m stake in Portsmouth'.
A leading insolvency expert believes Balram Chainrai may never get back the £17m that he is owed by Portsmouth FC.
The Hong-Kong businessman's hold over the club has proved to be a major obstacle for potential new owners.
That security could be devalued by the courts if administrator Trevor Birch asks for a ruling on it's true worth.
"The administrator can force a sale against Mr Chainrai's wishes if he can prove to the court what the assets are worth,"               Carl Foulds told BBC South.
"It's all very well a secured creditor being owed £17m but how much are the assets that he has security on actually worth?"            Carl Foulds

Saturday August 25, 2012 Kick Off 3:00 PM
Carlisle United Football Club, Brunton Park, Warwick Road, Carlisle, England  (map)

League 1 fixture  Kick off 3pm (GMT)

Attendance:  5,120 (about 500 Pompey Fans)

Carlisle: Collin, Simek, Robson, McGovern, Livesey, Murphy, Noble, Cadamarteri, Berrett, Jervis, Chantler. Subs: Madden, Thirlwell, Edwards, Potts, Beck, Symington, Gillespie 

Pompey: Andersen, Webster, Connolly, Long, Harley, Dumbuya, Walker, Howard, Compton, Rodgers, McLeod. Subs: Obita, Clifford, Eastwood, Harris

Pompey Scorers: Harris (88) Clifford (90+2)  Long sent off (2 yellow cards), Clifford booked.

Match Reports here     Pompey Live here

24 August 2012:

The Pompey Supporters' Trust have made a revised offer for the Club, administrators PKF have announced.

The news comes a day after former owner Balram Chainrai re-entered the running to buy back the club eight days after his company Portpin announced their interest was at an end.

That decision appeared to pave the way for fans' group PST, backed by a loan from the local council, to complete their rescue of the club who remain in administration and in danger of liquidation.

Yet Hong Kong businessman Chainrai remains Portsmouth's biggest creditor and, having expressed doubts about the viability of the PST's bid, he submitted a fresh offer to administrator Trevor Birch.

However, Birch announced tonight PST have also made a fresh offer and said: "We have received a revised offer from the Trust and will study the documents in detail over the next few days.

"There will be aspects that need further clarification and we will work with the Trust to achieve that clarity before deciding how best to proceed with the Trust and Portpin offers"

Fans’ group SOS Pompey held a demonstration at Fratton Park yesterday, protesting over Mr Chainrai’s re-emergence as a potential owner.

Spokesman Carl Paddon said: ‘We just don’t want Portpin in the club.

‘They are trying to suck the lifeblood out of the club – and there isn’t much lifeblood left.’

23 August 2012:

Trevor Birch, PKF partner and joint administrator of Portsmouth Football Club (2010) Ltd, said: "Portpin has submitted a new offer and we are now reviewing it.

"We have been working with the Trust since Portpin's original offer was withdrawn and understand that the Trust is on track to submit a business plan and revised offer tomorrow.

"We will assess its bid once it has been submitted and will then determine which offer provides the best deal for creditors, as is our duty as court appointed administrators."

August 22, 2012

Jordan Obita says he 'didn't have to think twice' about joining Portsmouth on loan after marking his debut by scoring a late equaliser against Colchester United. The teenage winger joined Portsmouth on a month's loan from Reading on Tuesday and started the League One encounter at Colchester on the bench.

He made an almost immediate impact after being introduced on 84 minutes by earning Pompey a 2-2 draw and he is looking forward to the chance to play first-team football.
"You can learn something from every squad that you play in and there are some fantastic players here," Obita told Portsmouth's official website.
"I found out about this loan a couple of weeks ago and I'm glad we could get it sorted. I didn't have to think twice - it's Portsmouth. This is a great club."
Obita had loan spells at Barnet and Gillingham last season, and Pompey boss Michael Appleton is happy to have brought in the 18-year-old.
Appleton said: "He can play in numerous positions and is a quick lad. He's really lively and will add a youthful edge to our side.
"He's very highly thought of at Reading and there have been a few clubs wanting to take him on loan."

Match Result:  Colchester United 2 Portsmouth 2 (HT 1-1)

Tuesday August 21, 2012 Kick off 7.45pm (GMT)
Colchester United Football Club, Essex, England  (map)

League 1 fixture  - Scorers (Pompey) Rodgers (30 mins) Obita (86 mins)

Attendance: 4,335 (1,114 Pompey fans)

Pompey: Andersen; Dumbuya, Connolly, Long, Harley; Walker, Williamson (Webster 34), Howard (c), Compton (Obita 84); Rodgers, McLeod. Subs not used: Eastwood, Djilali, Clifford, Harris. 

Obita rescues point for Pompey

A late strike from new loan recruit Jordan Obita earned Pompey a 2-2 draw at Colchester.

PHOTO: Luke Rodgers Congratulated by Pompey Team mates after opening the scoring

Luke Rodgers put Pompey ahead in the first half with a well-taken finish after Liam Walker’s perfect through ball.

But the hosts hit back on the stroke of half-time, after a fabulous long-range effort from Michael Rose gave Blues keeper Mikkel Andersen no chance.

Both sides had their chances in the second half.

Pompey perhaps just edged it in terms of goal opportunities, though, with Izale McLeod unable to take a couple of clear openings, while Walker struck the outside of a post with a low drive.

Michael Appleton’s side appeared to be heading for a gut-wrenching defeat when Magnus Okuonghae rammed home from close range as he latched on to a corner just seven minutes from time.

Pompey, however, had other ideas and responded superbly moments later.

A marvellous run by Mustapha Dumbuya saw him charge down the right flank to find Rodgers, only for his effort to hit the foot of the post.

But Obita, who had only just come on following his loan move from Reading, was in the right place at the right time to tap home the loose ball and send more than 1,000 travelling fans wild.

Match Result:  Portsmouth 1 Bournemouth 1 (HT 1-0)

Saturday August 18, 2012 Kick off 3pm (GMT)
Fratton Park, Portsmouth, England  (map)

League 1 fixture  - Scorer (Pompey) McLeod (18 mins)

Attendance: 17,703

 New Look Blues settle for a draw

PHOTO: Izale McLeod celebrates Pompey's first goal against Bournemouth

Pompey: Andersen, Harley, Long, Connolly, Dumbuya, Djilali, Howard, Williamson, Compton, Rodgers, McLeod. Subs: Eastwood, Clifford, Harris, Webster.

Bournemouth: Jalal, Barnard, Francis, Addison,Pugh, Elphick, Daniels, Thomas, O'Kane, Partington, Macdonald. Subs: Collins, Wakefield, Tubbs, Grabban, Arter, Cook, Zubar,

Scorers: McLeod 18 mins ; Barnard 77 mins

Attendance: 17,703

Pompey had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their League One opener with Bournemouth today.

Lee Barnard’s 77th-minute header pegged back Izale McLeod’s first-half opener in front of 17,703 fans at Fratton Park.

It looked like Michael Appleton’s new-look side would get their season off to a flier in a dominant first-half.

But the Cherries got back into the game late on as the Blues flagged.

McLeod’s goal after 18 minutes came courtesy of a huge gaffe from visiting keeper Shwan Jalal, as he let his 25-yard shot squirm through his legs.

Pompey should have had a second as they dominated, and McLeod missed a gilt-edged chance when clean through five minutes after the restart.

The visitors were an increasing threat, however, and got their reward for pushing Pompey back with 13 minutes left.

It looked like Purbrook youngster Ashley Harris had won it late on when his 25-yarder cannoned back off the post.

A draw was probably just about the right outcome, but there were plenty of encouraging signs from Appleton’s men for the campaign ahead.

FANS HAVE 2 WEEKS TO PLEDGE AND HELP SAVE POMPEY

- 1,000 new pledges needed in next 2 weeks

Following a board meeting of the PST on 30th April, we can confirm that we aim to begin the final stages of bid preparation for a community buy-out bid for Portsmouth Football Club from the 15th May, and so it is imperative that supporters complete their pledges prior to that date.

Initial interest in the Pre-Share offer has been strong, but more pledges are needed in the coming 14 days in order to submit a formal bid.  If 1,000 more pledges from fans are received by the 15th May then that will confirm our bid as achievable.

The Pre-Share offer, launched on 30th March, was designed to see if sufficient funds could be raised from fans and local businesses to mount a sustainable and viable bid for Pompey.

12 Pompey players have already supported the PST plans with investment pledges, and the PST would like to thank the players and their families for their support.

PST has also had significant interest from donors wishing to invest sums significantly in advance of £1,000, and will soon announce the support of at least one major donor.

Pompey administrator Trevor Birch has made it clear that the club will run out of money in June. PST can only mount a credible community buy-out bid if it has enough funds to do so.

The next 14 days will determine whether the goodwill towards a community buyout can be translated into a bid for the club. If enough pledges are received to mount a bid, PST will present it to investors and members as soon as possible, and before any bid is agreed and submitted.

PST Chairman Ashley Brown commented;

' We have had great support from players and fans alike, but need more support if we are to mount a viable bid for the club. The next 14 days will be crucial. If enough money comes in to make a bid viable, we will present our plans to investors and members for their approval before we go forth and submit a bid.

Our precise targets are confidential - and we are sure fans will understand that as we go into a bidding process. We will share as much information as we can, and will not proceed without the approval of our investors and members.

It is now or never for the PST bid - and we urge fans who are considering joining us to contact us, talk to us, and pledge. Time is running out for Pompey, and we are doing everything we can to save our beloved football club '

For further info - www.communitypompey.co.uk or email [email protected]

All Media contact can be made to PST Spokesman Scott Mclachlan on 07506 45800 or this email address.

April 12, 2012 THE Pompey Supporters’ Trust has urged fans to back its share scheme after Trevor Birch’s liquidation warning. Spokesman Scott Mclachlan said: ‘The statement from Mr Birch reiterates the message that Pompey could be a matter of weeks from disappearing unless a buyer can be found.

‘The CVA is crucial as it is hoped it could deliver a debt-free Pompey to any prospective buyer and will make urgent restructuring to cut the club’s running costs easier. ‘It highlights that the trust’s pre-share issue is currently the only positive move anyone has made to save it.

‘We ask everyone to get involved in pledging to buy a share by visiting communitypompey.co.uk and depositing £100 to register your interest.’

April 13, 2012  Pompey's 12th man update here

Pompey Away Day Travel Guide to Doncaster Rovers April 14, 2012 here

March 31, 2012